Ode to the Family

       We don’t always see eye to eye.  Loud grandma, hyper niece, perfectionist sister, forgetful aunt, laid back uncle, eccentric brother, creative cousin, quiet in-law, many different titles all with different personalities and temperaments.  What makes us even think we can all get along?  Is it because we fall under the grand title of ‘family’?

       Arguments and laughter, hugs and frustrations, games, teasing, conversations and cold shoulders are all part of fabric that makes up family.  In the end, we try to get along because we are family.  We try to make good memories together so that one day we can recall the good times of the past, and laugh about them.  Nothing and no one can break the ties that bind us as family, except for ourselves.

       On this weekend when many families get together for the holidays let us be most thankful to our Lord, but then let us be verbally and with actions, thankful for the family we are truly blessed with…

…whether we think they are a blessing or not!

A Man of Good Character

       Our kids attended the same youth program for a few years but we had never really had the time to speak.  It was a warmish day when we met outside the store in the parking lot and struck up a conversation about our kids.  As we were about to get on with our separate days he walked over to put away a cart from the parking spaces that I knew wasn’t his since he had walked to his car with his groceries in his hands.  The funny thing was, he was almost apologetic mumbling something about it being in his way earlier, and I was too surprised by his actions to say anything.

  

       I am a people watcher.  I have been since I was a very young child too shy to actually interact with others.  Daily I notice people walking by ignoring that which could easily be put away, thrown out, fixed, helped, in other words not going out of their way- even just a little- to make the world a better place.  Sometimes it only takes seconds, yet most people will pass by the opportunity.  Why is that?  We are so consumed in our own little world that we take no notice of what is around us.

       Over the years I had already observed that this man was trustworthy, respectful of others and responsible.  Seeing him put away a cart that was not his responsibility, not only willingly, but without any negative attitude finalized my opinion on the kind of man he really is: a man of good character.

       We don’t hold much stock in ‘good character’ today, but that is a shame.  I think it is important for all of us, especially those redeemed by the blood of Jesus, to be people of quality character.  Here is what the schools teach about a person of good character:

     -Is a good person, someone to look up to and admire.

     -Knows the difference between right and wrong and always tries to do what is right.

     -Sets a good example for everyone.

     -Makes the world a better place.

     -Lives according to the Six Pillars of Character:

       trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and good citizenship.

       A person’s character is often hidden from the visible eye; intangible qualities lie deep within a person’s being and are like an inbuilt moral compass.  Character, is a learned behaviour and reflects someone’s attitudes and values.  The good news is, though it is not always easy, we can all strive to be a person of good character, or to be a better person.

The Bible is chock full words that encourage us to improve our character.

Perhaps we could try it.

Healing

       Waking up in pain is not the way to start the day.  None of us enjoy pain; however, it is a necessity.  Some people in this world do not feel pain and as a result end up hurt or are not alerted to a valid physical problem because the pain is not there.  Pain lets you know there is something wrong with your body so that you can do something about it.

       We have several ways to deal with pain, and in Canada with public health care, it is fairly easy.  First off, we have many medicines at hand or we can go to a nearby store to pick some up.  So, pop a few pills to dull the pain.  Stretch, exercise, go back to bed, de-stress, drink coffee or do whatever it takes to help.  There are chiropractors, osteopaths, naturopaths, physiotherapists and more.  When all else fails, go to a clinic to see a doctor who may be able to help.  After all that, perhaps you are better or perhaps not.

Two questions remain:

       Why don’t we pray for healing first?

       When we do pray, why are we not always healed?

       In my opinion, there are no pat answers to the second question.  Logically, if sin keeps you from being healed, then no one on this earth could ever be miraculously healed.  If you must have faith, then why are there unsaved who are healed and some with such great faith that are not?  We are limited in answering by our finite minds that cannot fully comprehend all God has in His mind.  Still, the first question remains.

Why don’t we pray for healing first?